Jack Eichel to Vegas???
(Photo by Sara Schmidle/NHLI via Getty Images)
Jack Eichel & Buffalo has been a never ending cycle, ever since Eichel expressed his desire to have an Artificial Disk Replacement that the Buffalo Sabres were very much opposed to. Buffalo’s level of “comfort” with such a procedure that had not ever been done on an NHL player, ultimately led to both parties agreeing that a trade was a best-case scenario.
Eichel’s “disconnect” with the team has created an obvious wound that can never be repaired, along with him being stripped of his Captaincy due to an obvious failure on a physical. With everything we know, the question that stands now is, What is taking so long?? Both sides are clearly at odds with each other & both sides have been in a standoff for something to happen but the easiest answer to such questions is that Buffalo is in no rush to get something done. Buffalo’s role in this is far greater than Eichel, as Jack very much needs the surgery in order to recover & eventually play but cannot go under the knife until his NHL rights are dealt to another team. The ticking timebomb has spawned reports of the NHLPA potentially stepping in to force their hand. So which teams are the “front-runners” for Jack Eichel & what has the crazy market and timeline been like for Eichel??
The Eichel Timeline
(Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)
March 9th/10th, 2021:
Jack Eichel is OUT with an upper-body injury and will be gone for “at-least” 1 week.
March 11th-13th, 2021:
Jack Eichel undergoes further evaluation for what has been revealed as a neck injury & will be OUT for the “foreseeable future.”
March 23rd, 2021:
Jack Eichel is placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve, after already missing 7 games.
April 14th, 2021:
Jack Eichel’s 2020 season is OVER due to a herniated-disc in his neck, but is “expected” to be ready for 2021/22 season.
April 15th, 2021:
Jack Eichel hopes to avoid surgery for neck injury as he continues to rehab.
May 10th, 2021:
Jack Eichel “may require” surgery for neck, with Buffalo having differing opinions on which route is the best to go.
(March-May, 2021 reports via CBSNHL)
August 4th, 2021:
The Golden Knights send offer to Buffalo for Jack Eichel that includes: Prospects Peyton Krebs & Nicolas Hague + 1st Round Pick. Sabres decline offer from VGK, Per Adam Gertz.
September 23rd, 2021:
The Buffalo Sabres strip Jack Eichel of his Captaincy due to failed physical.
October 29th, 2021:
The Golden Knights are “CLOSE” to acquiring Sabres Captain Jack Eichel, Per John Hoven.
October 30th, 2021:
All indicators are that Vegas & Buffalo are “Well Down” the tracks of what framework for an Eichel trade would look like, Per Frank Seravalli.
October 31st, 2021:
The Calgary Flames & Golden Knights are among “Potential Final Destinations” for Jack Eichel, Per Kevin Weekes.
The Golden Knights would allow Eichel to pursue Artificial Disk Replacement surgery, Per Elliotte Friedman.
The Buffalo Sabres are asking for “Multiple” draft picks, a top prospect, a forward & a defenceman for Eichel, Per Ed Graney.
“Don’t Sleep” on the Flames or Avalanche in Eichel sweepstakes, Per Dan Kingerski.
November 1st, 2021:
M.I.A.